The purpose of this document is to support states in protecting separated children in Europe. The document highlights the importance of trust for an effective protection of separated children, and has identified guardians, cultural mediators, and the children and youth themselves as the key actors for change and improvement. Furthermore, the document puts forward concrete recommendations for states to strengthen and harmonise their policies and practices concerning the protection of separated children, and to ensure that children can access procedures and solutions in accordance with their best interests.

The recommendations focus on 7 different areas of improvement, which are:

1. Identification, registration and age assessments 2. Guardianship and legal representation 3. Care arrangements and the provision of appropriate services 4. Comprehensive solutions in children’s best interests 5. Participation of children 6. Best interests of the child in national child protection and asylum systems 7. Heavy bureaucracy and administration

SCEP welcomes the document and calls on states to improve the protection of separated children in Europe.